Graphite

Frontline General Charter and Assembly: UN Document 207J.20
“Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum: We Stand United Against those who threaten our freedom”

Article I: History

A) Preamble
We the collective heroes of our world: as the defenders of justice, protectors of liberty, and guardians of virtue, both internal and internationally; due ordain the need for an organized force to stand in unity on the frontline against those who dare threaten these ideals. Let it be known that against the face of villainy, weakness can never show. Further more, it is simply not enough to let these threats breed and spread, while in wait for it to come to us, for the pestilence will continue. In the ancient mantra the best defense is a solid offence, we stand in the call to arms to be proactive rather than reflexive. There for in judgment of the collective consciousness, do submit our selves, and if need be our lives, in direct opposition to those others dare cause harm against, the public as a whole, and our prodigy yet to be.

B) Counter Attack
As evidence in our time, a successful counter-attack took place in the Siren's Call of Paragon City, RI, USA against The Sadistic Seven and numerous other villains, as organized by the Havok Brothers who helped to create a unified force among a city of heroes. Realized that a dedicated attack force was necessary to take down the City's and the greater world’s overwhelming villainy, they and their lieutenants are now on a mission to recruit all able beings, powered and non-powered alike, as well as closely align themselves with other like-minded groups as an army of allied superheroes in this new war.

C) The Frontline
To this end, do all members sign to as one group of beings, to be known as ‘The Frontline’. Further still we bind ourselves to this Charter, and the will of our constituency, so as to further guide ourselves in this cause. To the authority of this world, and its duly elected leaders, do we submit ourselves with in reason as is enclosed with in this document towards the making of a better world.


Article II: Authority
A) Governing Authority, UN Charter, Security Council
a) Chapter VI: Investigation

“The Security Council may investigate any dispute, or any situation that might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute, in order to determine whether the continuance of the dispute or situation is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security.” Chapter VI, Article 34

b) Chapter VII: Military Force

“Should the Security Council consider that measures provided for in Article 41 would be inadequate or have proved to be inadequate, it may take such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. Such action may include demonstrations, blockade, and other operations by air, sea, or land forces of Members of the United Nations.” Chapter VII, Article 42

c) There for, per this authority, the Security Council due ordain ‘The Frontline’, based out of Paragon City, to protect and defend against the collective forces of Villiany on behalf of any member nation. This capacity extends as so they see fit within the guidelines of this charter, be it in an offensive or defense strike against these said threats. Further more, they shall work with their ‘sister super group’ The Vanguard against external intergalactic and inter-dimensional threats, should the need ever arise.

B) Executive Power
As defined within its purpose, ‘The Frontline’ shall be responsible for several combined abilities as agents of executive power. With in the scope of these matters, they may maintain their own bureaucracy for day to day affairs. This organization shall represent the collective policing force in maters of ‘global villiany’ and in dealings of meta human threats. Further more, they retain the right to assembly, right to open speech, and right to arms so as to accomplish this mission. Within the confines of law and subject to review, they are thus representatives of the United Nations and are granted the status of diplomatic immune. As such no member may not be bared by any national authority.

C) No Judicial or Legislative Powers
Per the separations of powers, ‘The Frontline’ shall have no Judicial or Legislative authority. They are nether judge, nor jury, nor executioner with in the common usage of these words. Casualties, collateral damage, and the use of deadly force are to be kept at an extreme minimum, subject to audit and inquiry. Further, they are subject to first all international laws, second the will of the Security Council, third all laws while with in the host nation, and forth any recognized leaders of those nations. In summary, they are executive agents of a police institution in the mater of defensive threats or army officers in maters of offensive actions and nothing more.

Article III: Purpose

A) Patrol
As is necessary to perform its duty, ‘The Frontline’ and its members may patrol any area, territory or region of any member nation with the potential to be threatened by any ill causing force, with the following stated intent:

a) To detour any illegal actions with in the area.
b) To surveill the credibility of a threat.
c) To be prepared against any preeminent strikes.
d) To respond to any strikes as they shall occur.

B) Monitor
Since the transmission of data and communication is the primary method of collecting intelligence so as to counter illegal ‘villianous’ actions, ‘The Frontline’ may monitor all user activity along these grids to include but not limited too personal conversations, telephone calls, and internet activity. Further, they may use these channels to keep in contact with other organizations. All activity is to be recorded by the institution so as proper public auditing may be conducted.

a) As a registered Superhero group, ‘The Frontline’ may monitor the Paragon City Police Department radio frequencies so as to be informed of, and thus respond to, various threats. They have also been granted their own private channel so as to maintain communication with in ‘The Frontline’ organization of its members.

b) Military Channels are classified and thus off limits to the organization. However under extraordinary circumstances, matters from time to time may require coordination with the military. With the proper permissions from the commanding officer and the maintenance of this sensitive information pending clearance, ‘[The] Frontline’ may participate with these communications.

c) Under no circumstances may the organization access or data hack personal or corporate equipment with out sufficient evidence to produce a warrant. Any institution that is or has conducted illegal activities has suspended this right so far as the involved parties. This in by no ways allows for unbound investigations but in essence all relevant evidence may be collected so as to build a trial case.

C) Attack
The first duty of ‘The Frontline’ is seeing to the protection of the public at large. Thus it and its members are given the authority to attack any creditable threats. The safety of the public must be maintained and thus civilian causalities are never seen as acceptable. The following hierarchy of threats has been created to serve as a guide to its members:

a) Threats on a global or national scale
Under the philosophy 'the needs of the many out way the needs of the few' and the combined international nature of the United Nations, any and all plots against the collective whole must be stopped and are the principle charge of the organization. This allows for any preemptive strikes against foreign nationals, dangerous meta humans and villainous organizations.

i. Regrettably, this may mean that ‘The Frontline’ may have to turn a blind eye to all occurrence of illegal activates, subject to a treaus treatment against the judgment of its membership. However, all members are expected to be accountable for these decisions.

b) Endangered members of the public
Attacks by organized groups or dangerous individuals against the public or collateral assets must be defended against being with the larger the scale of the attack, the greater its priority.

i. Many regions of the planet are currently under protest, and ‘The Frontline’ may get involved to see to the safety of civilians. Further, this authority to protect extends to all dangers against any city or individual regardless of whom they may be.

ii. Since response time is often critical, members may respond in a manner they see fit involving any dangers in their immediate facility.

c) Elimination of all potential threats
Ideally, no active threats against the world will be occurring. In such situations, ‘The Frontline’ shall take any actions to prepare and detour against any future threat; see the sections on Patrol and Monitor for further clarification.

D) Detain
Any individual involved with illegal activities may be detained by ‘The Frontline.’ Such individuals may not be quartered by the organization and members are expected to turn over custody to the nearest applicable authority.

i. Being an international organization, ‘The Frontline’ must observe all laws put in place by the United Nations including the use of torcher per the Geneva Convention. Further, members of the international community with diplomatic immunity, such as government leadership, may not be detained unless sufficient evidence and a warrant are presented.

ii. Excessive force may not be used and all individuals are entitled to due process and fair treatment under the law. Despite being detained, all parties are considered innocent until proven guilty with in a court of law.


Article IV: Organization

A) Commanders
In regards to leadership of the organization, ‘The Frontline’ shall follow a loose chain of command structure, with new positions created as the need arises. Overall, governance is by Three Commanders who will act as both general and prime minister of the super group. This number was chosen so as to allow the formation of checks and balances in disputed maters without creating deadlock. Until further notice, these three are Red-Havok, Blue-Havok, and Nitedevil as initial founders of the group.

b. Actions
Any action with in the confines of this Charter may be taken by ‘The Frontline’ with the approval of a Commander. Should any Commander disapprove, a two thirds majority vote of approval by the Commanders shall be needed to over turn the command.

c. Succession
Removal of a Command or other leader due to disciplinary action requires a three fourths majority vote of the Security Council. Upon retiring, the Commander may choose his successor and must be ratified by a nine tenths vote of confidence.

d. Recruitment
Only Commanders may recruit permanent members of the organization. All recruits must be of outstanding moral character, submit the rule of this charter, and recite the Oath as listed below. A member never need to reveal his secret identity in order to serve and may at any time step down from their role, but acknowledges the lost of those rights gained.

i. Oath

I, having been recognized a defender of justice, protector of liberty and guardian of virtue; do solemnly swear that I will directly oppose those who would dare cause others harm while providing sentinel to all threats foreign, domestic, inter dimensional, or galactic against this world; Taking this oath freely, submit myself to ‘The Frontline’ and its leadership as a vested authority of the public, while serving the common order of law; Henceforth serve the charge for this office of responsibility with fairness, integrity, and all due diligence.

e. Field Leaders
Commanders may appoint ‘Field Leaders’ to serve in their stead in case of absence. This manor acts as a field commission and they may act in the same authority until the absence is remedied. Examples of appointment include presence at another location or injury on the battlefield. Powers include, but are not limited to, engaging in missions, combat actions and temporary recruitment.

B) Squad Leaders
Acting as lieutenants, Squad Leaders form the bridge between any Commander and existing Squads. In essence, they are the Commander of their respective unit. If actions need to be taken and no Commander is present, then leadership is delegated to the Squad Leader(s), however they must communicate these actions as quickly as possible. Appointment and Removal of a Squad Leader is subject to a majority decision of the Commanders.

a. Deputies
To fill their squad, a Squad Leader may deputize any recognized or registered ‘Hero.’ Upon reciting of the Oath, these deputies become acting members of ‘The Frontline,’ with all the rights and responsibilities there in which remains in effect until they ether leave the unit or receive recruitment.

i. Oath
An abbreviated use of the Oath maybe used and is as followed:

I, as a hero of virtue, swear to oppose all threats against the public; freely choose to be a deputy of ‘The Frontline’ in order to defend the common good.

C) Squads
Forming the backbone of the organization, squads make up all standing units within ‘The Frontline.’ Members shall be limited to a quantity of eight or less, which has been proven to be the most effective number to coalesce as a team. Each Squad with be governed by one designated Squad Leader, or a Commander should one be present. Permanent members do not need to be a member of a Squad, though it is highly recommended since all actions should be carried out as a Squad. Remember that teamwork and solid communication are always the most needed skills to achieve victory in battle.

a. Eidolon Eight
Serving as the respective SWAT, Green Berets and SEALs for ‘The Frontline,’ the Eidolon Eight represent the primmer Squad of the organization by standings as an icon for heroism, raising the banner in the battle against good and evil, while providing organized leadership in the face of devastation. They are ‘the best of the best’ in terms of moral fiber and ‘can handle all the rest’ when dealing with the most extreme of villainous threats. There are no set requirements to become a member of ‘The Eight’ except to be recognized as such by the performance of Duty and to be invited into the group. The title is that of role model and mentor, excellence in leadership while able to face the most severe of danger.

D) Base of Operations
In order to serve its function, ‘The Frontline’ shall maintain a central Base of Operations, located in Paragon City as it is ‘the City of Heroes’. This base will attempt to serve any needs the group may have including: a central location from which to meet from, networking and communications exchange, global teleportation system, and crafting location for sensitive technologies. Funding will be determined on an as needed basis while all property ownership will be maintained by the organization as a whole.

Article V: Relations

A) City Hall, Paragon City, RI, USA
a. As per the Citizen Crime Fighting Act of 1937 in which by City law made it legal for vigilantes to bring criminals to justice bearing they followed the same restrictions police officers use, do ratify this super group charter for ‘The Frontline.’

b. Bearing observance of law of the land, the Paragon City Police Department understands the need and appreciates any aid ‘The Frontline’ may be able to provide within our jurisdiction.

c. Representing the collection of virtuous super groups based out of Paragon City, we endorse ‘The Frontline’ and agree to work with them in maters to protect our city in any offensive or defensive capacity. –The Statesman, Freedom Phalanx

B) United States of America

a. The President as Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several combined States, recognize ‘The Frontline’ as continuation of his power granted in the Constitution.

b. Further more; he may require their opinion in executive matters upon any subject relating to the Duties of their respective Office per the United States Constitution, Article II, Section Two, Clause One.

c. The President here hence shall commission all members of ‘The Frontline’ as officers of the United States as per the United States Constitution, Article II, Section Three, Clause Five with all the rights and responsibilities there in.

C) United Nations

a. UN Security Council
i. See above section II: Governing Authority

b. Vanguard

i. Serving as an emergency umbrella organization to help coordinate hero resources in the worldwide war against global threats, the Vanguard shall comprised some of the world's best and brightest heroes to training and organizing super powered defense teams against said threats.

ii. Following the conclusion of the Rikti War, the Vanguard and other great hero organizations of the world recognize the inherent need of super power teams such as the before mentioned ‘[The] Frontline’ to prevent further death, maintain global stability and guard against trillions of dollars in property damage.

iii. Henceforth, the Vanguard recognize ‘The Frontline’ as an extension of its authority provided that all international laws are upheld and executive oversight is maintained, will work collectively on matters that require both of our attention, with the possibility of being deputized should the need arise, as likewise expect the same from them.

c. Other Nations
Bearing the respect of our borders and our internal laws per the Geneva Convention and UN Charter, ‘The Frontline’ may provide oversight and police our states against any threats be they internal or external. –General Assembly, dated this thirtieth of June, two hundred and seventh Anno Domini

Article VI: Amendments

A) Ratification
Upon signatory of local, national and international relations and by the founding members of ‘The Frontline’ and by the member representatives of the UN Security Council, due here by ordain and recognize this Charter into action for the greater good of our world.

B) Amendments
Below shall be the list of Amendments to this Charter, which shall go into effect by a two thirds vote of the UN General Assembly, four fifths vote by the UN Security Council and by complete acceptance of ‘The Frontline’ leadership.

I. 'Rogue Isle Clause' -In clarification of the above language for 'respect of our borders,' any nation may choose to bar entrance to the 'The Frontline' as per its sovereign right with no reason given and may choose to deal with such matters in a pure internal capacity so as long as these threats do not jeopardize the collective whole.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press: good afternoon. Today as the representative of the United States to the United Nations Security Council, I am here to report to you on the formation of a new group with in our command structure. As you all have been undoubtably aware, Villiany across the planet has continued to increase in the wake of the last Rikti War. Despite the best efforts of world wide yet independently organized Heroes, the threat continues to escalate. The communication by Mr Mudd and Mindswipe of the now divided Sadistic Seven only further demonstrates the gravity of our situation, with leaked information showing that their other criminal accomplices plan to strike the Warburg Nuclear Facilities. It is now the belief of the President, and mine, that threats such as these pose the greatest risk to our survival than any other, past and present. Yet despite the danger, there has been as of none, no response by the international community. This must not continue, and as of today will no longer be the case.

Recognized and Registered Heroes have continued to put their lives on the line to ensure our safety against their villainous counter parts. It is time the leaders of the free world did our part and offered our support in this seaming on going yet unrecognized war. Further, it is within the duty of the United Nations Security Council to safeguard against any threats that jeopardize the collective whole. This action I assure may be bold, but not with out precedence. During the dark days of the Rikti Invasion, the Security Council banded together our resources into the formation of one over arching Supergroup called the Vanguard. The Vanguard succeeds in ending the Rikti threat and continues today in watching for their eventual return. Yet in my opinion, early warning signs existed even then and the lack of action may have resulted in countless deaths. Granted we were unprepared, and it seems again we are again unprepared to face the danger posed by those Villains who would do so many so much harm.

Make no mistake; there is an ever present war. Some times unseen, some times in our own back yards. So far the damage has not been permanent, but there is no such future guaranty and so many innocents have been lost. We the people of the world can no longer gamble against the risks and must arm those people who have proven time and again to be our defenders. Earlier this morning, The United Nations General Assembly approved the motive set out by the hero Graphite. As the representative of The Frontline and on behalf of the Hero Community, he through negations with the Security Council set to have a chartered organization to act on behalf of our executive authority to end all global villainous threats. Suffice it to say, they were tired of waiting for the problem to solve itself, and so are we. Now is the time to go on the offensive. This is a war. Us verses them, good verses evil, hero versus villain. The Frontline is ready, and they have our blessing. God be with them all.

Thank you.

The Frontline Webpage
Divided We Brawl RPvP Event
The Frontline VirtueVerse Page

I love this thing!

Location: Paragon City Hall
Time: 1:00 PM, April the 6th, V-Day
Freedom of Speech Permit: 16723-992A
Part of the Future is Ours RPvP Event.

Fellow citizens of Paragon City, heroes great and small, along with my fellow defenders of the multiverse: I come to speak to you about a great threat upon us. This threat stands in omen of apocalyptic proportions great as the Rikti War, Rise of the Hamidon, and even Lord Recluse himself. Head my words and head them well or less we face a fate worse then death.

This great threat is upon us. Not against a city, not against an ideal, but against our right to exist. Even now, I have heard word that Sadistic Seven make plans to conquer a history that has not yet come to be. I have seen visions of the future. I have seen these visions perhaps because I am of that future. Perhaps, I do not know. What I do know is that I was approached by a stranger who called himself Century. And he told me this…

‘Do not be alarmed hero. My name is Century, and I am charged with the protection of space and time. But I may be the last Century, and the last protector of this universe. An outside agent seeks to disrupt time, hero, and it is the mission to stop them with which I charge you.

They call themselves ‘The Sadistic Seven,’ who plan to solidify the future in their vision, a future which we cannot see come to pass; a future which will take their efforts from the lowest, insignificant point, and boost them to infamy throughout all time.

The timeline they wish to solidify is a terrifying one. Twenty years from now, there will be a purge: the murdering vigilantes and heroes all over the world. A third and fourth Rikti assault, leaving much of the world a smouldering mass of a mistake that should never have come to pass. And then a tyrant who will surely see the end of this planet.

I cannot disclose the name of this tyrant to you, my friends, for fear of destroying your own timeline. What I can tell you is this: The Sadistic Seven plan to travel to Recluse’s Victory, use stolen equipment gathered from the labs of Dr. Aeon, to shift the timelines to the world in which their leader will rule the world, and then lock it in time forever. They wish to take a possible future… And make it fate.

As observer, I warn the agents of virtue that they must save their world and then they are on their own. All the more I can tell you is this: the world must be saved… And it is your job to do it.

The 6th of April 2007, remember it. My final warning to you, my friends, is that you will be met with resistance. You are the world’s only hope.’

Then mists of time and space cleared and Century disappeared.

And in shadows such as these there must be a call to arms, call to action, and a call to battle. This is your time to rise and be the greatest of this generation. To Fight; to make Might Right!

This is your Call to Arms, General Quarters and Assembly. Now I stand guard as a symbol of hope and make plans. Today, the massive recruitment for resistance must continue. Tonight we fight not just for a city. Not just for those we love. Not for a simple ideal. No, we fight for a future yet to be. A future that we shall make TOGETHER UNITED; a future that our progeny will look back on and be proud of. Tonight we fight for that they can look back and see what the spirit of few accomplished. Then the will say in such despair, I too will fight on. I too will fight strong. I too will change fate and not let it be!

Today is OUR V-DAY. For we will stop at nothing short of Victory!

Yet if few are to stand against many. If good is to triumph over evil it must be organized. It must stand strong as a callsign, that flag of freedom, the trumpets bugle that can be heard all across the battle field. So earlier this week I called for the formation of the Eidolon Eight, in recognition to the deeds of the Surviving Eight, to combat these mighty foes. Be Prepared. The threat is real. Yet I cannot win this battle alone. Together, we eight will stand as symbols, as icons, of pure Virtue against what ever evil the Rogue Isles throws our way.

Together as individuals we compose singular names: Graphite, Empyreal, Alumette, Vindicator, Plasma Wisp, Red Queen, and the Havok Brothers. Yet in such a short time we have already become so much more. As the call continues out we have already been joined by the spirits of Noble, Grae Knight, Imperial, Tarberetta, Dr Jack Wolfe, Dragonberry, Yin, President SK, Xanatos and many many more.

Are you among us? Do you stand with us? Now I ask you to. Bring yourself and the greatest of valor you possess to become something so much more. Be lifted up by your strength, but also by the strength of your neighbor, and the strength of his neighbor, to become a banner of Free Will across the land, our world, and all time.

Then I ask you to turn to all those you know. Talk with your super group, your teams, your pugs, friends, family, kinsmen, and strangers on the street. For the more we have the more we become. I alone cannot accomplish much. Together only Eidolon Eight can go so far. But I tell you know, together the people of a world can change the fate of that world!

Remember these words of mine and heed them well. Together we make a difference! Together we have strength, power, might, right! And tomorrow, the world will wake up a better place. A new star will rise commonly called the Sun but as it casts new light it shall also cast new energy, new hope. Tomorrow is a day yet unwritten! Always Always Remember: The Future is never set in stone!

*And with those words, Graphite the no longer silent sentinel looked upon the crowd that had gathered. He looked upon there smiles and cheer clear with in their eyes. He smiled with satisfaction knowing for as long people fight for hope there will always be that hope. And with that thought he vanished, teleported to other lands, for there was still much left to be done.*

[ QUOTE ]
Since this has come up so often, I guess I will leak a feature of Issue 8:

You can change your title at any of the following levels:

15, 25, 35, and 45

At 50 you can change your title at any time.

You need to visit a trainer still to change your title and they "don't stack" (in other words, if you don't use your level 35 change, you don't have two changes when you hit level 45).

There is no Influence or Infamy cost associated with this.

[/ QUOTE ]

I sincerely hope that we will have acess to all titles as part of the Veterans Rewards. Since launch I've wanted to be The Adept Wu Shu Warrior, Natural Origin and have refused to reroll. To me saying he's an adept is the same way as saying he's a natural and since Adept is his actual hero name, it seriously bugs me that its not up there.